Spanish La Ligagiants Real Madrid have reportedly agreed a free transfer deal to sign Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger. This is according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano who stated that both Rudiger and Real Madrid have an agreement that the player will join them on a free transfer this summer, but nothing has been signed. The journalist revealed the information on German international centre back via his Twitter handle.

Chelsea defender Rudiger is one of the most sought-after players in European football. The German defender is the subject of interest from several clubs in Europe. Apart from Real Madrid, Paris Saint Germain (PSG), Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Juventus have all been credited with an interest in the player who has a few months to go on his current deal with Chelsea.

Rudiger has been a key player for German tactician Thomas Tuchel since he became the Chelsea manager at the start of last year. He was far from being a regular in the final months of the Frank Lampard managerial reign at Stamford Bridge before the club legend was replaced by Tuchel following a poor run of result in the league. Rudiger was instrumental as Chelsea won a second Champions League title last season by beating Premier League rivals Manchester City in the final.

On Rudiger, Tuchel confirmed to reporters that the widespread transfer rumours that his compatriot has decided to leave Chelsea is true. Tuchel said they wanted to hold on to his services, but the sanctionson the club didn’t help matters. Tuchel confirmed that Rudiger will leave the West London club shortly after the 1-0 home win over 10-man fellow London team West Ham United in the league.

Rudiger missed the visitof West Ham United due to a groin problem thus making it two games in a row for him. He’s on course to return to action when Chelsea are guests of Manchester United in the league on Thursday.